To the doctor

After 2 weeks of sniffling and attempting to find tissues in Nicaragua, I decided it was time to go see a doctor and try and see if I could somehow get rid of this cold.

A very helpful colleague at the office made an appointment for me with an ear, nose and throat specialist, Dr. Jorge Robleto. The appointment couldn't have come at a better time. Two days before the appointment I lost my voice - which is pretty frustrating when my job basically relies on being able to speak.

I think it was partially worth getting sick just for the experience of visiting a Nicaraguan doctor. First, I need to preface this by saying that Dr. Robleto worked in the private hospital. I paid about $29US for the appointment. Considering the average income for a Nicaraguan is less than $300US/month, you can appreciate how expensive a private doctor would be for a local.

The medical instruments the doctor had were basic at best. My ears, nose and throat were checked out with the use of a lamp, and a round mirror that was attached to a headband. I felt like I was living in the '40's. Not that I really know what it was like to visit a doctor in the '40's but it's what I gathered it would be like from movies. The doctor then drew me diagrams to show me basically that I have a lot of mucus in me. I was prescribed nose and mouth spray and some allergy pills, but after a few days of use, I'm questioning their effectiveness.

It's also been recommended that I rest, don't use my voice, don't drink or eat anything cold (that's tough in 30+ degree weather)or eat anything acidic like the delicious pineapple.

I hate to complain that I have nothing to do - but I'm finding resting and relaxing a bit challenging and frustrating. Especially since I don't have the comforts and distractions of home. There are so many things that I want to go out and do, new things to see and experience - but I have to wait for my cough and sniffles to go away first, or I'll just keep getting worse. I'm anxious for the day when I am fully recovered and am so busy that I'll be craving a day of doing nothing.